Tell people you are heading to Beirut for the weekend and they look at you curiously - “is it safe?” In many people’s minds Beirut is still a bombed-out, war torn city but all that ended in 2005 when the Syrian Army left (the war ended in 1990) and Lebanon is enjoying a period of peace and prosperity and returning to its former glory.
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Memories of Myanmar
Myanmar (or Burma as it used to be known) is one of my favourite countries in South East Asia. Bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand and with more than 100 ethnic groups, it is a melting pot of cultures and stunning landscapes from pristine beaches to sparkling lakes and plateaus sprinkled with gleaming gold spired temples. But what makes Myanmar even more special is the warmth of its people. They are gentle, welcoming and inquisitive and genuinely want to engage with you.
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Pootling around in Puglia
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia (with its silent “g”) is a wonderful place. It’s bordered by miles and miles of coastline with stunning beaches, whilst inland you can find picturesque hilltop towns, Baroque churches and rambling Roman ruins.
The landscape is wild and rugged unlike the soft undulating terrain of Tuscany, but it’s got charm. Fields of knarly ancient olive trees are interspersed with vineyards, the ground beneath a mass of scarlet poppies or grey, green cabbages depending on the season.
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Finding my groove in the Grenadines
Wanting to test the room service protocol I hoisted a yellow flag. Twenty minutes later a mini moke arrived and there was my perfectly made gin and tonic, just in time for me to enjoy the sun setting over the Caribbean from my little piece of paradise. A place I had wanted to visit ever since Judith Chalmers asked “Wish you were here?” I answered “yes” and 35 years later I was!
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